The World Marmalade Festival at Dalemain saw a ‘first’ in the history of marmalade this year – a marmalade made with smoked oranges.

Local entrepreneur Jo Hampson who started Smoky Jo’s, the acclaimed food smoking school based in Cumbria, entered two marmalades in this year’s festival – both made with smoked oranges.

The marmalades were judged by Pam Corbin from River Cottage and Jonathan Miller from Fortnum and Mason who gave them high marks for appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and flavor and awarded them both Bronze Awards.

“I was absolutely delighted” said Jo “It all started when I began experimenting with smoking fruit. The apples and bananas were delicious but I was disappointed with the oranges. I wasn’t sure what to do with them as they came out a little bitter so I decided to try and make marmalade with them. Smoke usually goes very well with anything fruity, tangy or sweet so I thought it should work”

“The results were amazing, the smokiness goes very well with the bitter sweet orange; it is subtle and not at all over powering” continued Jo. Not content with one marmalade she went on to make a Whisky Smoked Marmalade again with smoked oranges, mixing in a small amount of a whisky that is renowned for its ‘smoky peaty’ flavour.

PICTURE: Jo Hampson with a certificate awarded at the Dalemain marmalade festival.